I already had SP1 installed when this happened...

You could try Microsoft's countermeasures at this link. This problem is supposed to be fixed by SP1.:smileysurprised:

It still shows up on my taskbar. I just ignore it.

Like it mentions in this you proably not remove it without some 3rd party software but you can hide it try this or look at the link

 

 1. Make sure you have the "Hide inactive icons" option enabled. Right click the taskbar > properties and it's at the bottom.

2. right click underneath the system clock and select "Customize Notifications..." then modify what you want shown or not.

I believe that the "safely remove hardware" is a component of windows... so uninstalling it in the traditional sense probably isn't the easiest thing. There is some 3rd party apps that disable (and replace...) it though. do a google.

 http://safelyremove.com/ for the 3rd party app.

Id rather not just ignore it, it's just another program that loads at start up taking up memory.....

The "Safely Remove Hardware Icon" is for your USB devices. Removal of the Icon will remove your ability to connect USB safely and disconnect them safely. IE"; you want to connect a digital camera to the computer to download photos and safely disconnect the device after the photos are downloaded. You should hear a tone when the USB device is connect and a tone when you click on the device in the "Safely Remove Hardware Icon". If you have a printer connect with a card reader built into the printer this is what is being read by "Safely Remove Hardware" as drive F: Feel free to remove or disable after all it is your computer.